Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/249

 Rh "Now Raymond, take that belt and bind him," I commanded sternly. "Go to it, and be quick. Remember I have a gun in each hand. Pass it clear around his body, and across the wrists. Now draw it tight—oh! tighter than that! I expect it to hurt him! Good Lord, man, this is war! I am the one you have cause to feel afraid of—he cannot court-martial you for obeying my orders with a gun at your head. That's it—now catch the buckle."

Pickney choked with rage to which he dare not give vent, and the hands of the lieutenant shook as though from chill. His face was so white I began to think the fellow had a streak of cowardice in him, but his very fear might give him recklessness. I shoved the muzzle of a revolver against his coat.

"Now this other around his legs; strap them tight to the chair. Very good, indeed; you are learning your trade."

I tested the taut leather with one hand.

"That will hold you, Colonel, all but your mouth, and I hope you have enough sense left to guard that yourself. Raymond," and my glance swept the walls of the room hastily, "I regret troubling you so much; it is like adding insult to injury—but would you reach me those overalls hanging on the hook behind you. Thank you; now turn that chair, so the back will be this way, and—sit down."